Shillong, November 25: Riborlang L Lyngkhoi scored the first hat-trick of the SSA Champions Cup 2025 in Shillong Lajong’s 6-0 rout of Mawkriah West at the SSA Stadium at First Ground, Polo, this evening.
Earlier, also in Group B, Nongkseh left it until the 90th minute before they overcame the steely resolve of Laitkyrhong 1-0. Nongkseh’s lone goal came through a Hardy Cliff Nongbri (90’) corner kick while there were goals aplenty for Lajong thanks to Riborlang’s (25′, 28′, 39′) first half treble and one each from Ricky Kharkongor (74’), Willbeson Jaba (88’) and Samchaphrang Lato (90’).
Nongkseh were looking to continue their winning streak – they had won all nine games on their way to lifting the First Division title. However, Laitkyrhong, the Second Division runners-up, almost ended that record as they were tenacious in defence.
Nongkseh created plenty of scoring opportunities, starting with a strong effort from Kynsaibor Lhuid, whose 18th minute attempt was flicked by Laitkyrhong goalkeeper Honesstar Khyriem onto the crossbar, with Chesterpaul Lyngdoh then heading the rebound over.
Honesstar denied Hardy later in the first half, while Kitboklang Pale went just a little too high with his attempt in the 32nd minute. For their part, Laitkyrhong’s Mebanrikupar Rynjah delivered a thunderous strike in the 24th minute that Daraphun Talang, Nongkseh’s custodian, tipped over the bar.
Nongkseh had a goal disallowed in the first 15 minutes of the second half for offside, Hardy then hit the woodwork while in an open position inside the box and Chanmitre Thma tapped a pass wide. It seemed like Nongkseh were destined not to find the target today but they kept applying pressure and Hardy’s 90th minute corner finally went in, with no one seeming to get a touch on the ball before it crossed the line.
This was the third straight match in the Champions Cup that has been extremely close, which lived up to the hopes of the Shillong Sports Association organisers and demonstrated the level of talent in the SSA’s lower divisions.
However, Lajong had absolutely no trouble when up against Mawkriah West, who are the Third Division winners, with three goals in each half. Incidentally, this was SLFC’s 12th consecutive match unbeaten in the SSA’s 2025 season – they won five and drew four in the Shillong Premier League (where Lajong were runners-up) and won two in the Super Cup, where they were champions.
Lajong started slowly, keen to keep possession without being in a hurry. The opening goal came through some close quarters action and Riborlang scored his second following a cross from Babysunday Marngar. Ribor was then able to net his treble before half time, practically sealing the result.
Mawkriah West’s goalkeeper Sunshine Kharmuti performed well in the Third Division but being up against Lajong was a different sort of experience for him. He made a few too many fumbles and one of these led to the fourth goal, as Ricky pounced on the opportunity. Willbeson headed in a cross for Lajong’s fifth goal and the substitute had a carbon copy chance two minutes later but this time his header hit the post, though Samchaphrang was on hand to finish off the rebound.
After four action-packed matches, more thrills are sure to come on Thursday when Group A action returns. Umlyngka (who were defeated 2-0 by Langsning yesterday) will appear against Meghalaya Police in the latter’s first match at 1pm, followed by Mylliem Lum (who drew their opener against Mawkasiang) versus Langsning at 4:30pm.
